Explore the Lake Cooper Loop: A Scenic Midwest Adventure

Discover the charm of the Lake Cooper Loop, a picturesque 50-mile journey around the Mississippi River, where the Great River Road winds through the heart of the Midwest. This enchanting loop connects six small, welcoming communities—Fort Madison, Montrose, and Keokuk in Iowa, and Hamilton, Nauvoo and Niota in Illinois. Each town offers its own unique slice of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect road trip for travelers seeking an authentic and leisurely Midwest experience.

Brochure page highlighting attractions in Iowa and Illinois, including Fort Madison, Niota, Montrose, Nauvoo, Keokuk, and Hamilton, with descriptions of each site and panoramic river views.
Flyer promoting Lake Cooper Loop adventures in Nauvoo, Illinois, featuring a photo of three girls wading in a creek, and sections about local activities, attractions, and contact information.
Printable LCL Guide - Outside
Printable LCL Guide - Inside
List of fun activities and attractions in the Lake Cooper Loop, including historical sites, scenic views, agritourism, loopy locations, and classic local eateries.
Sunset over a river with a partially assembled bridge and construction equipment in the water.

FORT MADISON, IOWA

Fort Madison is Iowa's oldest Mexican settlement with settlers fleeing the Mexican Revolution and to work for the Santa Fe Railway. The Santa Fe Bridge is the world's largest double deck swing span bridge. Historic Iowa State Penitentiary was the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River built in 1839 and closed in 2015. 175 years! Our community has also celebrates our rodeo heritage for over the past 75 years along with our Sheaffer Pen history.

Inside a farmers' market with vendors selling honey, handmade baskets, and other products, and customers shopping. There are banners, tables, and a red truck outside.

MONTROSE, IOWA

Home to Southeast Iowa's busiest farmer's market, Linger Longer Park, the Iowa Great River Road, Fat Jimmy’s Smokehouse is a very popular barbeque joint, Green Frog Distillery is Southeast Iowa’s only whiskey distillery and the Galland School is Iowa's first school west of the Mississippi River.

View of a hydroelectric dam with the water reservoir and spillway, framed by tree branches and green foliage in the foreground, and a large building labeled 'Keokuk Plant' in the background.

KEOKUK, IOWA

Keokuk National Cemetery is older than the Arlington National Cemetery and includes both Union and Confederate soldiers! Lock & Dam 19 is the biggest drop on the Mississippi River at 38'. The geode is the Iowa state rock and can be found within a 35 mile radius of Keokuk.

View from a blue kayak on a river with lily pads and flowers, surrounded by green trees, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

HAMILTON, ILLINOIS

Enjoy the best view of Lock & Dam 19, Wildcat Springs includes over 90 acres of park including a creek perfect for geode hunting, Deer Run 18 hole golf course, a community pool, campground and new playground equipment.

Fall landscape with colorful trees reflecting in a lake, with white and red churches on a hill in the background against a cloudy sky.

NAUVOO, ILLINOIS

Home of Illinois' oldest winery, Baxter’s Winery & Vineyard. Latter Day Saints settled here from 1839 to 1846. Rich pioneer history with over 30 homes to tour. Many events including the Nauvoo Grape Festival, Festival On Wheels Car Show, Boo-tiful Nauvoo Pumpkin Festival and the Nauvoo Pageant.

A rural street scene with a red pickup truck in the foreground approaching an intersection. In the background, there are two old grain silos and a tall concrete grain elevator with faded advertising painted on it. There are utility poles, trees, and a clear blue sky with some clouds.

NIOTA, ILLINOIS

With just 65 residents, Niota is the smallest of our communities but has a fun roadside bar directly on the Loop driving route. Why not visit The Wye Not Tavern!

THE GREAT RIVER ROAD

Welcome to a journey along the Great River Road, where the majestic Mississippi River weaves its way through the heartland of America, offering breathtaking views, charming towns, and endless opportunities for adventure. Embark on a breathtaking 50-mile journey along the Mississippi River, connecting Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois via the enchanting Lake Cooper Loop.

A colorful brochure promoting Lake Cooper Loop in Iowa and Illinois, featuring images of a distillery, vineyard, and town, with contact information and a list of activities including camping, hiking, boating, biking, farm tours, markets, church tours, road trips, fairs, museums, train watching, wine tasting, shopping, bird watching, and river flyway.